Global Pharmaceutical Launches: Launch Tactics that Drive Blockbuster Product Success

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003--Today's top-performing pharmaceutical companies incorporate a well-crafted launch strategy and team as early as possible in product development, according to a study from pharmaceutical research firm Best Practices, LLC. In an increasingly competitive market, pharmaceutical companies must invest more during the product research and development phases, as well as in product promotion, to sufficiently support an emerging blockbuster. "Best Practices in Global Pharmaceutical Launches," available at http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr2.htm , reveals successful launch strategies, critical transition points and typical market need gaps. For example, one company began preparing for large-scale manufacturing when the drug was still in early testing. Although risky, this forward-looking resource allocation approach allowed the company to hit the ground running upon FDA approval with its potential blockbuster drug, achieving rapid market uptake. In addition to marketing launch strategies, the report also details the most effective practices throughout companies' global launches. The leading practices, managerial insights and benchmark metrics in "Best Practices in Global Pharmaceutical Launches" are drawn from interviews and surveys with 11 leading pharmaceutical companies involved in 12 global product launches. Report contents also include information on the following: -- Market research designed early to support a global launch -- Metrics detailing thought leader programs--a multi-phased process shaping clinical development and market acceptance -- Sales force management that drives long-term product commitment -- Lifecycle management tips and cross-functional team management best practices "The companies that successfully use marketing launch strategies to integrate development, marketing and manufacturing early in product planning have the potential to reap massive profits and rank as top-performing pharmaceutical companies," said David Wang, senior manager at Best Practices, LLC. Download a summary of "Best Practices in Global Pharmaceutical Launches" at http://www3.best-in-class.com/rr2.htm . For more information about this report or other benchmarking reports, contact David Burton at 919/767-9259 or at dburton@best-in-class.com . ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, LLC Best Practices, LLC is a research and consulting firm that conducts work based on the principle that organizations can chart a course to superior economic performance by studying the best business practices, operating tactics and winning strategies of world-class companies. For more information, call 919/403-0251 or visit http://www.best-in-class.com/